discovering Thailand.... part 7 Chiang Mai - Wat Doi Suthep and Phu Ping Palace.

Our first stop was Wat Doi Suthep.

There is a saying that " You haven't been to Chiang Mai unless you have paid pilgrimage to the Doi Suthep Temple". It is one of the places that you should consider when planning your holiday to Chiang Mai. It is located up in the mountains around 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai. I have gone to this temple some years back and I was not able to go up to the temple because the only way up was climbing the stairs... which had 300 steps. Today, Doi Suthep has a tram that you can ride to the top of the mountain.

There was a mini show for the tourists at the temple square where the students of a nearby school danced folk dances.

One thing you should know is that you cannot wear sleeveless shirts or shorts once you enter this temple. Loose clothing ( like a robe is available at the entrance) free of charge. The inner sanctuary is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visiting Doi Suthep temple is one of the must do activities when you and your family visit Chiang Mai. A tour to Doi Suthep Temple can be combined with visits to the Phu Ping Palace ( the Winter Palace ) and the Long Neck Karen Tribe Village.

The admission to this place is 100 baht and you pay 75 Baht to take the tram up to the temple site.

Next stop.... Phu Ping Palace.

Phu Ping Palace is the Royal Winter residence in Chiang Mai where the Royal Family stays during their seasonal visits to the people in Northern Thailand. The Phu Ping Palace is also the Royal Guest House for prominent State visitors from abroad. In the past Their Majesties welcomed or granted audiences to State visitors in Bangkok. This Palace was built in 1961. The Palace may only be viewed from the grounds but the rose garden and the reservoir are very beautiful. One must not miss the Rose Garden in this visit.

The Queen's Summer Residence..

The Rose Garden

The Tallest and Biggest Bamboo trees found only at the Phu Ping Palace... They are 28 feet tall.

The Reservoir... with the fountains dancing to Thai music.

In my next two photos... please look  well.... I was able to catch the end of the rainbow on top of the fountain...

close up photo...

the admission to the palace is 100 Baht. Since it is a long way up to the palace ( roughly 2.5 kilometers hike )--- we rented a golf cart ( 300 Baht ) to take us around.